Houston Guidebook
Local Food scene
These restaurants are a short drive away.
This place is great for crawfish if you have never tried it, they also have a variety of Cajun style seafood to enjoy.
17 locals recommend
Ragin' Cajun
4302 Richmond AveThis place is great for crawfish if you have never tried it, they also have a variety of Cajun style seafood to enjoy.
Another favorite, this Korean style chicken is delicious! Try the Secret Spicy flavored chicken.
BBQ Chicken Westheimer
8383 Westheimer RoadAnother favorite, this Korean style chicken is delicious! Try the Secret Spicy flavored chicken.
This is the type of BBQ Texas is famous for! This amazing family owned restaurant is walking distance from the house.
Blakes BBQ & Burgers Blake
2916 Jeanetta StThis is the type of BBQ Texas is famous for! This amazing family owned restaurant is walking distance from the house.
Great for late night bites! This locally famous Colombian food truck will serve you from 5pm-1am (4am on the weekends!)
Los Perros
4212 Washington AveGreat for late night bites! This locally famous Colombian food truck will serve you from 5pm-1am (4am on the weekends!)
This Hibachi grill is really cool, the chef's cook your meal right in front of you. What's better than dinner & a show?
10 locals recommend
Benihana
9707 Westheimer RdThis Hibachi grill is really cool, the chef's cook your meal right in front of you. What's better than dinner & a show?
It wouldn't be a visit to Texas without some Tex-Mex food! Chuy's is always solid and never far.
49 locals recommend
Chuy's
2706 Westheimer RdIt wouldn't be a visit to Texas without some Tex-Mex food! Chuy's is always solid and never far.
Local Drinks
Feeling thirsty?
This drive-thru liquor store has beer, wine, and spirits - and you don't even have to put on shoes!
Beverage Barn
9204 Richmond AveThis drive-thru liquor store has beer, wine, and spirits - and you don't even have to put on shoes!
Fat Tuesday Houston Westheimer
8366 Westheimer RoadMardi-gras themed spot serving frozen drinks to-go!
Grocery Stores
If you prefer to do your own cooking, here's where to go.
This is the closest grocery store. Also a great option for affordable beer and wine (no spirits)
16 locals recommend
Randalls
12850 Memorial DrThis is the closest grocery store. Also a great option for affordable beer and wine (no spirits)
This is Houston's most popular Hispanic supermarket chain, you'll find products more traditional to that style of cooking here.
La Michoacana Meat Market
12385 Bissonnet StThis is Houston's most popular Hispanic supermarket chain, you'll find products more traditional to that style of cooking here.
I wouldn't be a true Texan if I didn't suggest HEB for your grocery needs, it's a little farther but the only place to go for local Texas grocery products.
161 locals recommend
H-E-B
9710 Katy FwyI wouldn't be a true Texan if I didn't suggest HEB for your grocery needs, it's a little farther but the only place to go for local Texas grocery products.
This super popular Asian supermarket chain that carries specialty imported foods.
18 locals recommend
99 Ranch Market
1005 Blalock RdThis super popular Asian supermarket chain that carries specialty imported foods.
Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products (most sell wine & beer).
51 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
11041 Westheimer RdEco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products (most sell wine & beer).
Not-so-local Food scene
This place was featured on the hit Food Network show "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives", check it out before you leave!
14 locals recommend
The Original Marini's Empanada House
10001 Westheimer RdThis place was featured on the hit Food Network show "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives", check it out before you leave!
Both born right here in Houston, the Carrabbas family and their restaurants have been making some of the best Italian food around for over 30 years.
13 locals recommend
Carrabba's
1399 S Voss RdBoth born right here in Houston, the Carrabbas family and their restaurants have been making some of the best Italian food around for over 30 years.
This little family owned Italian place has great food, try their lasagna if you get the chance!
18 locals recommend
Riva's Italian Restaurant
1117 Missouri StreetThis little family owned Italian place has great food, try their lasagna if you get the chance!
Still looking for more mouth watering BBQ? I've got your back with this one! It doesn't even matter what you order, it's all mmmm.
125 locals recommend
The Pit Room
1201 Richmond AvenueStill looking for more mouth watering BBQ? I've got your back with this one! It doesn't even matter what you order, it's all mmmm.
This place combines high quality food with drive-thru convenience.
The cook comes in every morning to chop fresh potatoes into fries, the meat is grilled over an open flame with mesquite wood, and they have some fancier items like Ribeye steaks and Ahi Tuna available (fyi, I used to work here - no, I didn't get paid for this recommendation lol).
It'll cost you almost $10 for a burger, but the point is this is definitely NOT McDonalds.
42 locals recommend
Becks Prime
115 W 19th StThis place combines high quality food with drive-thru convenience.
The cook comes in every morning to chop fresh potatoes into fries, the meat is grilled over an open flame with mesquite wood, and they have some fancier items like Ribeye steaks and Ahi Tuna available (fyi, I used to work here - no, I didn't get paid for this recommendation lol).
It'll cost you almost $10 for a burger, but the point is this is definitely NOT McDonalds.
Tiger Den
9889 Bellaire BlvdThere's Ramen, and then there's Tiger Den's Ramen...
Ever had "Thai Cajun" seafood before? I didn't think so, do yourself a favor and check this place out - you'll thank me later.
88 Boiling crawfish & Seafood Restaurant
1910 Wilcrest DriveEver had "Thai Cajun" seafood before? I didn't think so, do yourself a favor and check this place out - you'll thank me later.
Situated right next to Axelrad (like, they literally play movies on the pizzaria's outside wall) this award winning pizza is definitely impressive if you're around.
73 locals recommend
Luigi's Pizzeria
3700 Almeda RdSituated right next to Axelrad (like, they literally play movies on the pizzaria's outside wall) this award winning pizza is definitely impressive if you're around.
Some amazing things have come from Austin, Texas - and Torchy's does not disappoint. It started as a food truck and now has over 30 locations around TX/OK/CO. These tacos are VERY unique, take a quick look at the menu and you're sure to be intrigued!
170 locals recommend
Torchy's Tacos
2400 Times BlvdSome amazing things have come from Austin, Texas - and Torchy's does not disappoint. It started as a food truck and now has over 30 locations around TX/OK/CO. These tacos are VERY unique, take a quick look at the menu and you're sure to be intrigued!
Another gem to come from Austin, Texas - Pluckers has amazing chicken tenders, lots of sauce options, and solid mixed drinks. This places gets really busy, so get there EARLY.
13 locals recommend
Pluckers Wing Bar
1400 Shepherd DriveAnother gem to come from Austin, Texas - Pluckers has amazing chicken tenders, lots of sauce options, and solid mixed drinks. This places gets really busy, so get there EARLY.
You want MORE bbq?! Of course you do!
This BBQ joint is FAMOUSE STATE WIDE. I've driven to Austin, Tx 5 times in the last 2 years just for this BBQ.
480 locals recommend
Salt Lick BBQ
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826You want MORE bbq?! Of course you do!
This BBQ joint is FAMOUSE STATE WIDE. I've driven to Austin, Tx 5 times in the last 2 years just for this BBQ.
This super popular churrascaria never disappoints! Great for special occasions and carnivores, you'll want to check this place out if you've never been!
(A little expensive for dinner, but the lunch prices are more affordable)
56 locals recommend
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
8250 Westheimer RdThis super popular churrascaria never disappoints! Great for special occasions and carnivores, you'll want to check this place out if you've never been!
(A little expensive for dinner, but the lunch prices are more affordable)
Another churrascaria that competes with Fogo de Chão. I've found that the prices here are a little more affordable and it isn't as fancy, but they're both equally delicious - it mostly depends on your personal preference.
(Again, cheaper during lunch)
47 locals recommend
Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse
5865 Westheimer RdAnother churrascaria that competes with Fogo de Chão. I've found that the prices here are a little more affordable and it isn't as fancy, but they're both equally delicious - it mostly depends on your personal preference.
(Again, cheaper during lunch)
Fondue Fun! This restaurant chain offering heated pots of cheese, chocolate or broth for dipping & cooking. The food is ordered family style, so it's best to go with a group - great for birthdays!
8 locals recommend
The Melting Pot
6100 Westheimer RdFondue Fun! This restaurant chain offering heated pots of cheese, chocolate or broth for dipping & cooking. The food is ordered family style, so it's best to go with a group - great for birthdays!
One of the best patios in the city, amazing live Latin music, and delicious tapas style small plates - this is one of our favorites places to be!
33 locals recommend
Batanga
908 Congress StOne of the best patios in the city, amazing live Latin music, and delicious tapas style small plates - this is one of our favorites places to be!
Frank's pizzas are legendary for the bar fans around there. They are open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, so if you need some late night calories this is where to get them.
79 locals recommend
Frank's Pizza
417 Travis StFrank's pizzas are legendary for the bar fans around there. They are open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, so if you need some late night calories this is where to get them.
These pizzas have a great reputation around here, you get a lot of pizza and they are super generous with the toppings!
32 locals recommend
Pinks Pizza
1403 Heights BlvdThese pizzas have a great reputation around here, you get a lot of pizza and they are super generous with the toppings!
Another prime pizza place, you definitely have to check out why everyone loves Star Pizza!
65 locals recommend
Star Pizza
77 Harvard StAnother prime pizza place, you definitely have to check out why everyone loves Star Pizza!
Famous on social media, praised by local legends like Slim Thug and Andre Johnson - this place serves savory covered and smothered turkey legs, mac & cheese, and so much more!
265 locals recommend
Turkey Leg Hut
4830 Almeda RdFamous on social media, praised by local legends like Slim Thug and Andre Johnson - this place serves savory covered and smothered turkey legs, mac & cheese, and so much more!
Warm & homey upscale destination showcasing luxe steaks, modern global fare, cocktails & fine wines
Jonathan's The Rub at Memorial Green
12505 Memorial DrWarm & homey upscale destination showcasing luxe steaks, modern global fare, cocktails & fine wines
Local Tex-Orleans chain serving po' boys, gumbo, fried seafood & more in a casual setting.
10 locals recommend
BB's Tex-Orleans
6154 Westheimer RoadLocal Tex-Orleans chain serving po' boys, gumbo, fried seafood & more in a casual setting.
Yummy Pho & Bo Ne
15718 State Hwy 288Another wonderfully authentic Pho restaurant, don't miss it if you're in the area!
Stone-baked pizza & Belgian waffles plus craft beer & wine offered in industrial-chic environs.
9 locals recommend
Jupiter Pizza & Waffles Co.
16135 City WalkStone-baked pizza & Belgian waffles plus craft beer & wine offered in industrial-chic environs.
Modern, airy eatery creating innovative burgers & crêpes from organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Guru Burgers Crepes
2268 Texas DrModern, airy eatery creating innovative burgers & crêpes from organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Inventive Japanese-Latin eats including fusion sushi rolls & margaritas served in a bustling space.
9 locals recommend
Japaneiro's
2168 Texas DrInventive Japanese-Latin eats including fusion sushi rolls & margaritas served in a bustling space.
This is a fork-free zone! This restaurant started as a food truck and is popular for good reason!
Chick'nCone® at 1919 N Shepherd, Houston TX
1919 North Shepherd DriveThis is a fork-free zone! This restaurant started as a food truck and is popular for good reason!
This place has delicious comfort food and is popular for brunch, they known for their chicken and waffles!
113 locals recommend
MAX's Wine Dive
4720 Washington AveThis place has delicious comfort food and is popular for brunch, they known for their chicken and waffles!
Hot chicken sandwiches have gotten really popular over the last year-or-so around here, if you haven't had one it's definitely worth a try!
26 locals recommend
Mico's Hot Chicken
1603 North Durham DriveHot chicken sandwiches have gotten really popular over the last year-or-so around here, if you haven't had one it's definitely worth a try!
Houston's First and Only Mac and Cheese restaurant. Mac and Cheese made from scratch over 24 different ways in hot cast iron skillets . Options range from Chicken and Waffles to Tikka Masala.
14 locals recommend
Jus' Mac Montrose
106 Westheimer RdHouston's First and Only Mac and Cheese restaurant. Mac and Cheese made from scratch over 24 different ways in hot cast iron skillets . Options range from Chicken and Waffles to Tikka Masala.
Sightseeing
This area is beautiful and offers a wide variety of fine dining and shopping. Check out the Happy Hours at the bars, watch a movie at Studio Movie grill, or shop the nearby high end stores.
287 locals recommend
CityCentre
800 Town and Country BlvdThis area is beautiful and offers a wide variety of fine dining and shopping. Check out the Happy Hours at the bars, watch a movie at Studio Movie grill, or shop the nearby high end stores.
Outdoor shopping mall with elevated boutiques & well-known national stores, plus restaurants!
129 locals recommend
Highland Village
4055 Westheimer RdOutdoor shopping mall with elevated boutiques & well-known national stores, plus restaurants!
This is a 60-acre Gulf Coast theme park in Kemah, Texas. Built entirely on the shores of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake, this is considered one of the premier boardwalks in the USA.
575 locals recommend
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp AveThis is a 60-acre Gulf Coast theme park in Kemah, Texas. Built entirely on the shores of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake, this is considered one of the premier boardwalks in the USA.
Everything is bigger in Texas... including our shopping addiction! You can spend nearly all day in THE LARGEST mall in Texas, have fun and good luck!
1869 locals recommend
The Galleria
5085 Westheimer RdEverything is bigger in Texas... including our shopping addiction! You can spend nearly all day in THE LARGEST mall in Texas, have fun and good luck!
Great beer, great bites, great views (like, really great views) - what’s not to like!
53 locals recommend
Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co - New Restaurant and Bar
2101 Summer StGreat beer, great bites, great views (like, really great views) - what’s not to like!
This facility is the official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space and leads the mission of educating on science and space exploration - a must see for any visitor!
429 locals recommend
Space Center Houston
1601 E NASA PkwyThis facility is the official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space and leads the mission of educating on science and space exploration - a must see for any visitor!
Laundry
24 Hour Washateria
9216 Richmond AveLaundry can be done here.
Grace Washateria
9367 Richmond AveLaundry can be done here.
Lah Cleaners
9027 Westheimer RdThis is the closest dry cleaning service for your nicer clothes.
Not-so-local Drinks
This is one of Texas' oldest craft beer breweries and famous nation wide! Their brewery is a wonderfully fun time and the beer garden is arguably the most impressive in Houston - you simply have to see it for yourself!
291 locals recommend
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
2000 Lyons AveThis is one of Texas' oldest craft beer breweries and famous nation wide! Their brewery is a wonderfully fun time and the beer garden is arguably the most impressive in Houston - you simply have to see it for yourself!
We LOVE Aka Sushi! Check out their all day happy hour on weekends, and make sure to ask for my friend Tony :), he's the best waiter!
22 locals recommend
Aka Sushi House
2390 W Alabama StWe LOVE Aka Sushi! Check out their all day happy hour on weekends, and make sure to ask for my friend Tony :), he's the best waiter!
Texans sure do love our whiskey, and you'll find plenty of it here! They offer whiskey flights if you're looking to try a variety - food is good too!
22 locals recommend
Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar
23139 Grand Cir BlvdTexans sure do love our whiskey, and you'll find plenty of it here! They offer whiskey flights if you're looking to try a variety - food is good too!
If you've never heard of a "Happy Hourly" then you're in for a special treat! Happy Hour menu food and drinks are $3 at 3:00pm, $4 at 4:00pm, and $5 at 5:00pm - get there early!
The General Public
797 Sorella CtIf you've never heard of a "Happy Hourly" then you're in for a special treat! Happy Hour menu food and drinks are $3 at 3:00pm, $4 at 4:00pm, and $5 at 5:00pm - get there early!
This bar is in Montrose (Houston's biggest LGBTQ neighborhood), and there is a LOT of personality here. Check out one of their drag show brunches or their Happy Hourly specials ($4 at 4:00pm, $5 at 5:00pm, $6 at 6:00pm), this place is always entertaining.
159 locals recommend
Boheme
307 Fairview StThis bar is in Montrose (Houston's biggest LGBTQ neighborhood), and there is a LOT of personality here. Check out one of their drag show brunches or their Happy Hourly specials ($4 at 4:00pm, $5 at 5:00pm, $6 at 6:00pm), this place is always entertaining.
So your liver hasn't had enough yet? Maybe weekend brunch is more your thing? This places has AMAZING brunch food, and BOTTOMLESS* mimosas! Good luck!
(the first one will cost you $14, and every mimosa after the first is 1¢)
The Union Kitchen Memorial
12538 Memorial DriveSo your liver hasn't had enough yet? Maybe weekend brunch is more your thing? This places has AMAZING brunch food, and BOTTOMLESS* mimosas! Good luck!
(the first one will cost you $14, and every mimosa after the first is 1¢)
Axelrad is a large open/outside beer garden with a wide variety of beer to drink. They do various events all week long with live music, movies nights, or video games on the big screen. Check out their events calendar for their food truck schedule also.
269 locals recommend
Axelrad Beer Garden
1517 Alabama StAxelrad is a large open/outside beer garden with a wide variety of beer to drink. They do various events all week long with live music, movies nights, or video games on the big screen. Check out their events calendar for their food truck schedule also.
This place is brand new and super cool! The whole place is filled with over 275 retro arcade machines & games. $10 admission gets you unlimited play inside the arcade and the cider is pretty good!
71 locals recommend
Cidercade Houston
2320 Canal StreetThis place is brand new and super cool! The whole place is filled with over 275 retro arcade machines & games. $10 admission gets you unlimited play inside the arcade and the cider is pretty good!
Drink for a cause! The majority of the money made here gets donated to charities.
62 locals recommend
OKRA Charity Saloon
924 Congress StDrink for a cause! The majority of the money made here gets donated to charities.
If you like tequila, this is where you want to be. They have every infused tequila you can think of - peanut butter, pumpkin, red beet, ghost pepper, beef jerky, etc. (and normal flavors like strawberry or cinnamon)
If you like margaritas, you can get pretty creative here.
21 locals recommend
El Big Bad
419 Travis StIf you like tequila, this is where you want to be. They have every infused tequila you can think of - peanut butter, pumpkin, red beet, ghost pepper, beef jerky, etc. (and normal flavors like strawberry or cinnamon)
If you like margaritas, you can get pretty creative here.
This is a fun bar at night with good vibes, good music, and a nice patio.
44 locals recommend
Belle Station
207 Gray StThis is a fun bar at night with good vibes, good music, and a nice patio.
This wine garden has a wonderfully creative space - with the whole "house" and garden accessible it's easy to get lost in the setting. Check for their daily food specials!
17 locals recommend
Bacco
5010 Dincans StThis wine garden has a wonderfully creative space - with the whole "house" and garden accessible it's easy to get lost in the setting. Check for their daily food specials!
Hip spot for American eats & small plates at lunch & dinner paired with weekly live music & dancing. Make sure to check their calendar for the music genre of the night.
34 locals recommend
Sambucca Houston
909 Texas AveHip spot for American eats & small plates at lunch & dinner paired with weekly live music & dancing. Make sure to check their calendar for the music genre of the night.